12 Questions to Ask Before a Child’s Surgery

When a child faces surgery, the procedure can be just as scary – or even scarier – for a parent.

The good news is that CHOC Children’s practices patient- and family-centered care, and works to ensure parents and patients are informed.

Parents with a child facing surgery should ask plenty of questions to learn as much as possible about their child’s surgery and post-operative care – and CHOC’s surgical services team is ready with answers.

“You have to do whatever you need to do so you feel like you are being a good parent,” says Dr. David Gibbs, a pediatric surgeon and president of CHOC’s medical staff.

Dr. Gibbs recommends that parents ask the following questions before a child’s surgery:

Dr. Gibbs handled all of my Karlie’s surgeries during her fight against cancer. He answered every question that was asked. What was supposed to be a 4 hour surgery turned into 8 hours because he was so thorough. Love him.